PCG assures unimpeded movement of goods amid quarantine restrictions

The Philippine Coast Guard on Sunday assured the public that the delivery of cargoes will be seamless despite their tight surveillance amid the enhanced community quarantine over Luzon.

In a public briefing, PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo said they are following the advice of the Inter-Agency Task Force for COVID-19 to ensure unimpeded delivery of these essential supplies.

“Sinisigurado rin ng PCG na  na hindi maantala lahat ng cargo vessel na nag-de-deliver ng supplies, ng provisions,” he said.

“Pinatutupad namin ang guidance ng task force na unimpeded ang lahat ng cargo vessels ng provision sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.

Like the enforcement of movement restriction on land, Balilo said they also set up checkpoints to monitor the entry and exits of people in sea and ports.

“Kapag may dumarating na mga bangka mula sa laot, mga cargo vessel, amin pong ine-examine,” he said.

An enhanced community quarantine was imposed over entire Luzon due to the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission.

Entry and exit at the borders of quarantine areas will be restricted. The movement of essential goods is exempted from the restriction.

On Saturday, the Department of Trade and Industry released an order allowing all types of cargoes regardless if they carry food or non-food products to pass through checkpoints

The Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. warned of “severe shortage” of processed meat products due to the logistical woes at checkpoints which caused their facilities’ inability to receive needed raw and packaging materials. —Joviland Rita/LBG, GMA News